Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring since he didn't see his shadow last weekend. He may actually be correct this year. The last three weeks the highs and lows have been well above average.
So far in Austin we've seen our share of freezes this winter but we're still well short of the season average.
Last winter was milder with only seven freezes. The years before then we experienced normal winters with 15 to 25 freezes.
The last time we had a colder than average winter just happened three winters ago. That was the last El Nino winter. The warming of the Eastern Pacific changed up the weather pattern to bring in more rainy days allowing the winter chill to last longer.
The averages would say no to planting flowers or starting a garden. In Austin we normally get our last freeze in late February. Areas away from the city have their last freeze in March especially the Hill Country.
Looking at the extended outlooks the chances of an early spring are looking pretty good. The warmer than average temperatures will continue for rest of this month and all the way through may. So does this mean an early summer too? It looks likely.
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